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Neighborhood Associations and Urban Crime

NCJ Number
85244
Journal
Journal of Community Action Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (November/December 1981) Pages: 37-44
Author(s)
C W Kohfeld; B Salert; S Schoenberg
Date Published
1981
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This analysis of crime in St. Louis neighborhoods indicates that neighborhood associations are effective in reducing crime rates and that these associations appear to be more effective at reducing violent crime than they are at reducing property crime.
Abstract
These organizations can affect both the instrumental and contextual factors relating to crime, although analysis indicates that the reduction in crime effected by neighborhood associations stems more from their impact on contextual factors. This is especially true for violent crimes. Grand larceny and possibly residential burglary, however, were only slightly affected by neighborhood associations. These groups may be responsible for a 10-15 percent reduction in property crimes and a 15-25 percent reduction in violent crimes. Neighborhood associations should thus be promoted more vigorously. Study data, 1 note, and 10 references are included. (Author summary modified)